Herbal & Flower Teas
Snow Chrysanthemum Tea
Traditionally used to support healthy blood pressure and blood fats
Why people make this tea
Kunlun snow chrysanthemum is a tea Bro Niu finds worth keeping in the cupboard: traditionally favoured for blood pressure and blood fats, the cup steeps to a lovely amber-red with a mellow, fragrant sweetness. This little daisy grows high on the cliffs of the Kunlun range above 3,000 metres and blooms only briefly each August, which is why it is so prized.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Those who simply enjoy a fragrant, mellow daily tea, or who are mindful of blood pressure and blood fats.
- Those with low blood pressure should not drink snow chrysanthemum tea.
- Flower teas are generally not advised in pregnancy. Anyone managing blood pressure should continue their usual care — please see your doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Snow chrysanthemum (xue ju): a high-altitude chrysanthemum traditionally valued as a mellow daily tea and associated in folk use with supporting healthy blood pressure and blood fats.
Ingredients (1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Snow chrysanthemum | 2 teaspoons | optional: a small pinch of goji berries |
Method
- Put the snow chrysanthemum in a teapot, pour in boiling water and steep 3–5 minutes.
- Serve; you can keep re-steeping until the flavour fades.
Bro Niu’s tips
The tea is clear, mellow and soothing, with a sweet aftertaste. You can add a small pinch of goji berries (gou qi zi) to steep alongside. Note that snow chrysanthemum spoils easily and is prone to weevils, so store it in the fridge. It is available at Chinese herb shops and online.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Andy): What’s the difference between snow chrysanthemum and “tai ju” (baby chrysanthemum)? Bro Niu: Tai ju is the tiny chrysanthemum bud; it steeps clear with a delicate fragrance. Snow chrysanthemum is small and golden, steeps to an amber colour and has a mellow sweetness.
- Q (Yun Ni): I have low blood pressure but often get constipated — can I drink snow chrysanthemum and pu-erh? Bro Niu: With low blood pressure, snow chrysanthemum tea is not advisable; pu-erh in moderation is fine. For constipation, try a sweet-potato congee, or a few dried prunes.
- Q (Phoebe): A friend gave me a box of Kunlun snow chrysanthemum; my 6-year-old loves it with honey and his constipation has improved. Does it clear heat and brighten the eyes? Bro Niu: Grown in clean high country, it is traditionally considered more potent than ordinary chrysanthemum and is favoured for sensitive eyes and constipation. But it can be pricey and hard to find, so for everyday use ordinary chrysanthemum (hang ju, tai ju, gong ju) is fine. Keep it refrigerated, as it spoils quickly.
Published July 28, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
